On the second leg of a home and away stretch against the Pacers, the Cavaliers surprisingly lost to Indiana in game one at home. Indiana even pulled off the upset with Tyrese Haliburton out for the second half of the game. The Pacers dominated the Cavs in the second half, with standout performances from Nembhard and Jarace Walker.
It was a sloppy game for Cleveland, as they’ve been wildly consistent this year. Shooting just 27% from three in their last matchup, the Pacers can’t expect that type of shooting performance again. Indiana will have to bring their A-game again for a chance in this one. With Haliburton’s status up in the air, they’ll need the rest of this group to step up.
However, even though Cleveland is favored, it doesn’t mean the Pacers are out of this one. They'll have a shot if Cleveland could go to another poor shooting night while controlling the boards. I’d still put my money on Cleveland taking the game, but with the current odds, the more fun bet is, by far, Indiana.
Donovan Mitchell 25+ Points (+120)
Benedict Mathurin 20+ Points (+110)
Jarrett Allen Over 10.5 Rebounds (+105)
Myles Turner Under 1.5 Blocks (+105)
This Philadelphia team continues to be disappointing, and player availability has stifled their season. Embiid has been one of the least reliable, playing in just 13 games this year. He’s only had a handful of highly productive games, even while available. Paul George has been better availability-wise, but he’s still well below his career averages in Philly. Maxey has been the only standout but remains inefficient with the increased workload.
It will be challenging for the 67ers to take on the best team in the West. OKC has been a shredder in the West, and their defense continues to suffocate their competition. SGA is making an excellent case for an MVP run, and he’s almost guaranteed an All-NBA team spot.
There aren’t many flaws with this OKC roster, maybe besides scoring diversity. However, that won't matter in a matchup like this. The Thunder out class the 6ers two to one talent wise. This should be an easy victory for OKC.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 42.5 Points + Rebounds + Assist (-115)
Tyrese Maxey Under 26.5 (-120)
Isaiah Hartenstein Over 11.5 Rebounds (-115)
Paul George Over 3.5 Turnovers (+100)
This should be an intriguing rematch for the Hawks and the Suns. They played each other last Thursday, where Phoenix was able to grab a much-needed win at home. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they were without Jalen Johnson in that game, who looks to be out again for today's game.
However, the home-court advantage could be significant tonight, with the Hawks back in Atlanta. Phoenix will be without Nurkic again tonight, as he’s not traveling with the team due to the flu. That might not be the only reason he’s not on this road trip, as Phoenix has been going through some changes. Nurkic has practically fallen out of the lineup, while Bradley Beal has been leading the bench.
Phoenix still has the advantage in the game today, though, with Johnson out. With him sidelined, the lack of rebounding on Atlant was a real issue in game one. Without his productivity tonight, Phoenix will have an excellent chance to steal a second game against them.
Trae Young Over 23.5 Points (-120)
Kevin Durant Over 7.5 Rebounds (+110)
Devin Booker Under 2.5 Made Threes (+114)
Dyson Daniels Over 2.5 Steals (-105)
Although this game may not be with top teams, it could be fun with Zion playing again. Hell, this Pelicans team only lost to the Celtics by one point, so they may still have some juice this year.
The Bulls have also been an entertaining team. Zach LaVine has been on a tear recently, scoring 30 or more in six consecutive games. Nikola Vucevic is playing some of his best basketball, and Josh Giddey is a productive player again. We even saw Lonzo Ball enter the starting lineup for the first time in three years. The Bulls have become a sneaky, fun team to watch.
They’ll have the advantage over the Pelicans tonight. With Vuc down low against the rookie Missi, the Bulls can dominate the paint. Even with Zion back, the Pelicans will be missing Brandon Ingram again, so they’re still not at full strength. Regardless, they should put up a good fight with Zion, CJ, and Murray. However, I think the Bulls have the better team, and will take this game.
Zach LaVine 30+ Points (+100)
Nikola Vuvevic 13+ Rebounds (+220)
Yves Missi under 8.5 Rebounds (-120)
Josh Giddey Over 6.5 Assits (-120)
This shouldn’t be too much of a game in Dallas tonight. The Nuggets look healthier, as Jokic, Gordon, and Murray are all listed as probable today. That will give the Nuggets an overwhelming advantage talent-wise.
This Dallas team has been feisty at times, even without Luka and Kyrie, but going against a full-strength Denver isn’t easy. Considering they just lost to Denver on Sunday at home, you can expect more of the same from this game. The only wrinkle is Kyrie has been upgraded to questionable. That might change the math on this matchup, but we’ll have to see if he’s actually going to play today.
Otherwise, Klay will be the guy to keep an eye on. He had his best game as a Maverick against the Nuggets, which could be a great sign. If Klay can continue trending up, Dallas could be dangerous when they get their stars back. For tonight, though, it would take a heroic performance from their role players or a massive return game for Kyrie to win tonight. Neither is impossible, but I'll stick with the MVP Jokic to win the game.
Nikola Jokic Under 52.5 Combined Points + Rebounds + Assist (-125)
Derek Lively II Under 2.5 Assist (+135)
Klay Thompson Over 3.5 Made Threes (+120)
Russell Westbrook Over 1.5 Steals (+150)